Education in music is most sovereign because more than anything else rhythm and harmony find their way to the innermost soul and take strongest hold upon it." - Plato
"Your silence will not protect you." - Audre Lourde
In these harsh economic times, it may seem politically correct to speak softly about the issue of supporting arts in our nation and in our schools. Budget deficits in school systems across the nation are huge, and hard-working teachers in all subject areas are either losing their jobs or are being forced to take on herculean workloads.
It is exactly at this time that we need to stand up for what we believe to be right and true--that a musical education is the birthright of all children., and that children deserved to be taught music by a highly qualified, well-supported professional music educator.
If we back down, a generation of children will lose the opportunity to experience, play, compose, and appreciate their cultural and human heritage. Music is not a luxury item, and it is not just for the children of the upper 1%.
Music is intrinsic to what it means to be human!
Thanks for reading...More soon. For now, here are a few ways to act up!
http://www.vh1savethemusic.com/
http://savelivemusiconbroadway.com/
http://www.menc.org/resources/view/music-education-advocacy-central
http://www.menc.org/events/view/music-education-week
http://www.childrensmusicworkshop.com/advocacy/ - I have to investigate whether or not this is a legitimate non-profit--but they do have LOTS of links to good information!
